FACTSHEET 2

SET YOUR NEW

CAREER DIRECTION

Take the time to explore your career options and seek guidance on aligning your transferable skills to other
industries and jobs.

ROAD TO SUCCESS
 Know how to explore careers and research what employers see as ‘a good fit’ for their industry or organisation.
 Know what you want from work and what you have to offer.
 Know the difference between essential and non-essential qualifications and licences.

GET STARTED
1. Open your mind to careers and jobs you have not previously considered.
It’s worth considering your new career direction well before you leave Defence. In today’s job market, the average time
spent with any one employer is approximately five years. This reflects the changing labour market and the future of
work. The pace of change in the work we do is expected to increase. This means the thought of your next job being
your long-term job is less likely. Whatever decision you make today, it won’t necessarily lock you in until retirement.
Ensure you draw information from multiple sources to get a balanced perspective before deciding on your new career
direction. These can include:

 Desktop research (using career and job websites like  Work experience (if you are still in the ADF you may be
Job Outlook, LinkedIn, Seek and jobactive). able to undertake work experience as approved leave.
 Networking (via online forums like LinkedIn, within Ask your ADF Transitions Officer for more information).
the ex-Defence community and further afield).

2. Understand your work preferences and strengths.

When you applied to the ADF you were asked to undertake a range of aptitude tests to ensure you would be a good
fit for the organisation. You can apply a similar approach to figuring out what kind of work you prefer and what you
are good at. Be honest with yourself about who you are, what you want and what you have to offer. This will help
you target the best career leads. Workbooks on Job Jumpstart can help get you started, try ‘Work tasks I prefer’,
‘Interactions I like’ and ‘Places I like to work’.

3. Tap into your networks to get career advice.

The network of friends and colleagues you currently have is a great start to exploring options for your next career move.
Networking isn’t as scary as you may think. Begin with your existing network of friends (those you already have a
good relationship with). Be open to their advice and any leads or contacts they may offer.
SET YOUR NEW
CAREER DIRECTION FACTSHEET 2

Networking is an effective way of securing employment in today’s job market. Employers generally prefer to interview
someone who has been referred by a contact in their network, rather than deal with the multitude of other applicants
responding to advertised job vacancies.

Social media is also a way of networking. Facebook should be used strictly for personal networking. LinkedIn is a very
effective professional networking tool. LinkedIn is free to create a profile that employers can search for. The further
your network reaches, the greater the number of opportunities which are likely be presented to you. Ensure your reach
goes beyond Defence boundaries.

4.Setting realistic salary expectations.

Do your research (online and networking) to find out what kind of salary packages and employment contracts are offered
by the industries and employers you are interested in working for. Setting realistic expectations early will set you up well
for salary negotiations down the track, as well as ensuring you pursue a career direction that will meet the demands of
your budget. Factors to keep in mind might include: how superannuation is included in the package, the inclusion of a
work car, salary sacrifice options, mobile phone, laptop or tablet; and other allowances and bonuses.

5.Determining what you need to invest in upskilling, re-training and licences.

Sometimes formal accreditation and licensing are essential prerequisites to being considered suitable for employment.
Often a qualification or ticket with no experience is not valued by employers. Formal qualifications are not always
essential and some employers may prefer to train you on the job. Make any entitlements you may have to financial
assistance count by focussing in on essentials first.

Talk to businesses you would like to work for to find out what you need to do to be more competitive for jobs
with them.

Talk to the ADF Transition and Civil Recognition team at ADF.civilrecognition@defence.gov.au.

NEXT STEPS
SUCCESS STORY
Navy Petty Officer: Steward to
Butler to Youth Mentor
Check out the Career Quiz and pay rates for a wide
After serving in the Royal Australian Navy for range of occupations: joboutlook.gov.au
17 years, I moved into being the butler for
Australia’s richest man. It provided
opportunities to demonstrate much of what I
learned in my Navy career, and I could boast
about the position I held, but I knew it wasn’t
the right job for me. For the last 10 years, I
Use the factsheets and workbooks on Job Jumpstart:
have now worked in community services and
jobjumpstart.gov.au
outdoor education, providing mentoring and
coaching to young people. This job has given
SEARCH FOR:
me much more job satisfaction than I first
expected. I stumbled upon this role by  Get job and career ideas
accident (through my network). My experience
 Know about jobs and employers
demonstrates it is important to think about
what you offer and what you want beyond  Investigate careers – Career Road Test
your Defence role and open your mind to a  Know what you want and can offer
broad range of career opportunities you may
 Work tasks I prefer
not have previously considered.
 Interactions I like
 Places I like to work
Disclaimer: The content of this factsheet is intended as general information only and does not replace professional advice. It is derived from a variety of sources and has been prepared
without taking into account your individual objectives, situation or needs. You should consider your personal circumstances, and if appropriate, seek independent legal, financial or other
professional advice before acting. The Department has endeavoured to ensure the currency and completeness of the information in this factsheet at the time of publication; however, this
information may change over time. Provision of links to external websites are provided for convenience only and should not be construed as an endorsement or approval of the third party
service or website by the Department. The Department expressly disclaims any liability caused, whether directly or indirectly, to any person in respect of any action taken on the basis of
the content of this factsheet.